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COVID Policy

The Man In The Moon recognises the importance of advanced planning in order to maintain services and limit the spread of COVID.

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A full COVID Risk Assessment has been completed. It can be downloaded here.

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COVID is a viral infection similar to flu, spread from person to person by close contact. It typically causes fever and a dry cough, and in some cases may progress to viral pneumonia which cannot be treated by antibiotics. Symptoms of COVID can include:

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  • Dry cough

  • Sore throat

  • Fever

  • Tiredness

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Loss of taste and/or smell

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The initial symptoms are not dissimilar to other colds and flu-type illnesses, but the combination of a recent onset of fever and a new continuous cough seems to be present in many cases of COVID. People who have COVID may also be asymptomatic, so everyone must stay alert to control the virus.

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Infection or suspected infection

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Any child who becomes ill with symptoms which could be COVID whilst at our activities will be isolated from the other children until the child can be collected by their parent/carer. Many suspected cases turn out to be negative, so we will remain open unless advised otherwise by the local Health Protection Team, but parents/carers and crew members will be informed.

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Children/crew members should not attend the workshop, day camp or rehearsal if they have tested positive for COVID with either a LFD or PCR Test.

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Close Contacts Who Have Tested Positive

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We don't want to stop anyone from coming along to our workshops. However, whilst we understand that there is no longer a legal requirement to test if a close contact has tested positive, we ask children/adults take a LFD test before attending workshops, day camps, or rehearsals if this is the case.

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Infection control

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Like the common cold and flu viruses, COVID is spread by:

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  • Infected people passing on the virus to others through large droplets when coughing, sneezing, or even talking within a close distance.

  • Direct contact with an infected person: for example, if you shake or hold their hand, and then touch your own mouth, eyes, or nose without first washing your hands.

  • Touching objects (e.g. door handles, light switches) that have previously been touched by an infected person, then touching your own mouth, eyes, or nose without first washing your hands. Viruses can survive longer on hard surfaces than on soft or absorbent surfaces.

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We will limit the risk of catching or spreading COVID by:

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  • Regular hand washing by crew members and children.

  • Minimising contact between our hands and mouth/nose.

  • Covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; using a tissue whenever possible; disposing of the tissue promptly and carefully (bag it and bin it); washing hands afterwards.

  • Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles, light switches, tables, etc.) with a sanitiser, frequently.

  • Encouraging children to follow the guidance above.

  • Parents/carers must drop their children off at the front door and a crew member will welcome them in. A crew member will bring children out to parents/carers at the end of the session.

  • Encouraging visitors (which will be limited) to use the hand sanitiser gel provided, before entering the premises and again before they leave.

  • Asking crew members to remain at/go home if they display any relevant symptoms.

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We will promote infection control through the methods above, and in addition, we will:

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  • Display posters and information to promote infection control.

  • Ensure that adequate supplies of cleaning materials and protective equipment (e.g. disposable gloves and aprons) are available.

  • Dispose of waste promptly and hygienically.

  • Provide tissues and suitable facilities for their disposal.

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Closure

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We will have to close if advised to do so by the local authority or Health Protection Team in the interest of safeguarding the children in our care. In the event of closure, we will notify parents/carers as soon as possible.

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Advance planning

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In preparation for dealing with COVID, we will ensure that all contact details for crew members, children, and parents are up to date.

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We will regularly update our information regarding COVID, by checking the latest guidance from Public Health England and the local authority and will inform parents and crew members of any changes to our emergency plans.

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Please ensure to regularly check our website or Facebook for any updates.​

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Useful contacts

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Health Protection Team: 0344 255 3861

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Related policies: Medicine Administration and Risk Assessment.

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Reviewed: 11 May 2022

Review Period: 24 months​

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